Phnom Penh, 10 April 2025: H.E. Igor Driesmans, the European Union Ambassador to Cambodia, alongside H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and H.E. Prak David, Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has introduced two new EU-funded initiatives aimed at advancing Cambodia’s green transition entitled “Accelerating Sustainability in Cambodia’s Agri-Food System” (ASCA) and “PlasticSmart Cambodia”. These initiatives reflect the EU’s resolute commitment to support Cambodia’ pursuit of a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy, and seek to address systemic challenges within the agri-food sector and plastic waste management. The initiatives were developed in collaboration with MAFF and MoE.
Led by People in Need, ASCA aims to decarbonise the agricultural value chain by promoting sustainable farming practices through a market-based approach, the development of innovative carbon-based fertilisers and the introduction of green agriculture technologies.
PlasticSmart, led by CARE Cambodia, addresses plastic waste by promoting sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices. This initiative targets the food and waste management value chains within the garment industry, enhancing waste segregation practices and encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials, again through a market-based strategy.
Speaking at the event, the EU Ambassador, H.E. Igor Driesmans emphasised the importance of the green transition for future growth strategy, and the need for trusted partnerships: “As we face the escalating realities of climate change, it is imperative that environmental sustainability becomes the cornerstone of our development and growth strategies. To meet international goals like the 1.5°C target, we need to move from commitments to actions, mobilising financial resources, enhancing knowledge and capacity, and fostering collaboration. The two new EU initiatives launched today supports Cambodia on this journey.”
